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PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  Today, Friday, September 29, 2023, the Honorable Minister of Justice, Anna E. Richardson, along with her dedicated team, aimed to provide a crucial status update to all justice personnel and the public regarding significant developments within the Ministry of Justice.

Unfortunately, due to the absence of a quorum at the scheduled Justice Committee of Parliament meeting, the presentation could not be delivered as intended. However, Minister Richardson remains committed to ensuring that vital information reaches the justice personnel promptly.

The History

After more than a decade without a completed Function Book for the Ministry of Justice, the current administration, under the leadership of Minister Richardson, successfully undertook and completed this crucial task Read more

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Candidates in this article:

Given Their Small Size And High Degree Of Openness: Policy Actions Needed To Reduce Vulnerability To External Shocks In Curaao And Sint Maarten.

WILLEMSTAD/PHILIPSBURG:---  As small and open economies, Curaao and Sint Maarten are vulnerable to external shocks. The effects of external shocks on the monetary union are reflected in, among other things, fluctuations in our balance of payments, stated president of the Centrale Bank van Curaao en Sint Maarten (CBCS), Richard Doornbosch, in the CBCSs September 2023 Economic Bulletin. This edition of the Economic Bulletin highlights the monetary unions vulnerability to shocks with a textbox on the effect of NAf.- Euro exchange rate fluctuations on trade flows Read more

 ...EXPECTED TO DRIFT AROUND EAST OF THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS THROUGH THE WEEKEND...

Tropical Storm Philippe Advisory Number 25

NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL172023

1100 AM AST Fri Sep 29 2023

 SUMMARY OF 1100 AM AST...1500 UTC...INFORMATION

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LOCATION...18.3N 55.3W

ABOUT 510 MI...825 KM E OF THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...45 MPH...75 KM/H

PRESENT MOVEMENT...WSW OR 245 DEGREES AT 2 MPH...4 KM/H

MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1003 MB...29.62 INCHES

WATCHES AND WARNINGS

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There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.

Interests in the northern Leeward Islands, the U.S Read more

Bird Expert Shanna Challenger Shares Conservation Formula At Saba Bird Fest

Conservation biologist and bird expert Shanna Challenger (right) gave a presentation on Thursday evening as part of the first-ever Saba Bird Fest.

SABA--Conservation biologist and bird expert Shanna Challengers presentation during the first-ever Saba Bird Fest on Thursday evening raised awareness of the power of locally-led conservation actions.

Challenger, who is the Offshore Islands Conservation Programme Coordinator at Environmental Awareness Group (EAG) of Antigua and Barbuda, shared how the organisations conservation work was able to restore Redonda, the small island which lies about 56 kilometres southwest of Antigua, between the islands Nevis and Montserrat.

In 2008, Redonda was deforested, eroded, and collapsing into the sea as a result of past human activity, when the island was used for guano mining during World War I, yielding up to 7,000 tonnes annually Read more

Tropical Storm Philippe Advisory Number 21

NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL172023

1100 AM AST Thu Sep 28 2023

 SUMMARY OF 1100 AM AST...1500 UTC...INFORMATION

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LOCATION...18.6N 54.6W

ABOUT 560 MI...895 KM E OF THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...50 MPH...85 KM/H

PRESENT MOVEMENT...WNW OR 290 DEGREES AT 2 MPH...4 KM/H

MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1002 MB...29.59 INCHES

WATCHES AND WARNINGS

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There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.

Interests in the northern Leeward Islands, the U.S Read more

...INTERESTS IN THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS, VIRGIN ISLANDS, AND PUERTO RICO SHOULD MONITOR ITS PROGRESS...

Tropical Storm Philippe Advisory Number 17

NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL172023

1100 AM AST Wed Sep 27 2023

SUMMARY OF 1100 AM AST...1500 UTC...INFORMATION

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LOCATION...17.5N 53.7W

ABOUT 620 MI...995 KM E OF THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...50 MPH...85 KM/H

PRESENT MOVEMENT...W OR 280 DEGREES AT 9 MPH...15 KM/H

MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...998 MB...29.47 INCHES

WATCHES AND WARNINGS

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There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.

Interests in the northern Leeward Islands, the U.S and

British Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico should monitor the progress

of this system.

DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK

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At 1100 AM AST (1500 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Philippe was located near latitude 17.5 North, longitude 53.7 West Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- The recently generated 2023 economic indicator table report for the first half of 2023 paints an encouraging picture of St. Maarten's economic landscape, showcasing growth and resilience across key indicators. 

Real GDP Estimate 

St. Maarten's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) forecasts a growth rate of 4.6% in 2021 Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- Over the weekend, MP Wescot-Williams traveled to Geneva on the invitation of the European Parliamentary Forum (EPF) for Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights. In Geneva, the agenda will consist of an ICPD Consultation and the ICPD 2024 Steering Committee meeting.

Last May I attended the Caribbean African Dialogue: Investing in young peoples health and futures, ensuring equitable access to reproductive health information and services in Barbados Read more

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Candidates in this article:

Ennia Case Teaches: Structural Problems Require Structural Solutions

WILLEMSTAD (Source:Curacao Chronicle) – The issues surrounding Ennia, which concern both Curaao and the Netherlands, have sparked discussions and considerations about potential solutions and their consequences. According to econometricians Servaas Houben and Ronald Ketellapper, the main problem lies in the inadequate provisions and low capital buffers of Ennia Leven, resulting in the acute danger of pensions for approximately 30,000 residents of Curaao shrinking to twenty percent if the troubled insurer is not assisted with a substantial capital injection Read more

Mp De Weever: 554 Days With No Resolution To Gebe Crisis

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Independent member of Parliament Ludmila de Weever issued a media statement on the status of NV GEBE, St. Maartens sole electricity provider. De Weever, who has spoken passionately about the situation at GEBE since the March 2022 cyberattack, didnt mince words when she said that GEBE is a matter of national security Read more

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Candidates in this article:

Landmark Research Report On Legislative Function In Sint Maarten Approved.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs are pleased to announce the approval of the comprehensive research report titled, Legislative function in Sint Maarten. This landmark report was given the green light by the Council of Ministers at the end of July.
The research was conducted in collaboration with the Caribbean Centre for Leadership (CCL) and the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, as stipulated in the Country Package. The primary objective of this ambitious project was to conduct a thorough analysis of the legislative function in Sint Maarten Read more

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Candidates in this article:

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs Silveria Jacobs, representing the Kingdom of the Netherlands, attended a high-level side event yesterday on the critical importance of early warning systems. The event was hosted the Permanent Mission of the Independent State of Samoa to the United Nations as a discussion on how to mitigate the impact of climate change-related disasters Read more

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Candidates in this article:

UN HEADQUARTERS, New York:--- The President of the General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis, and the Executive Director of UN Women, H.E. Sima Sami Bahous, convened the highly anticipated 2nd annual meeting with women Heads of State and Heads of Government during High-Level Week. The Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs, Silveria Jacobs was welcomed, with a member of her delegation, as a current woman Head of Government Read more

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Candidates in this article:

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Library is excited to share the rescheduling of our Read to Me Dutch is Fun Puppet show for Saturday, September 30, 2023, at the Sint Martin University, from 6 pm to 7 pm.
Peggy Nibte, a performer and a great storyteller, will serve as the puppeteer for the Dutch Is Fun Puppet Show.
Ms. Nibte was born in Paramaribo, Suriname, into a family of seven. She is the youngest of four girls and three boys. Her mother worked as a teacher, while her father served as a police officer Read more

Hurricane Nigel Advisory Number 13

NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL152023

1100 AM AST Mon Sep 18 2023

SUMMARY OF 1100 AM AST...1500 UTC...INFORMATION

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LOCATION...27.2N 51.4W

ABOUT 875 MI...1410 KM ESE OF BERMUDA

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...80 MPH...130 KM/H

PRESENT MOVEMENT...NW OR 325 DEGREES AT 12 MPH...19 KM/H

MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...984 MB...29.06 INCHES

WATCHES AND WARNINGS

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There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.

DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK

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At 1100 AM AST (1500 UTC), the center of Hurricane Nigel was located near latitude 27.2 North, lon-gitude 51.4 West Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs Silveria Jacobs embarked on a significant diplomatic journey, participating in the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City. This historic visit underscores the importance of Sint Maartens presence on the global stage and emphasizes the vital role our island nation plays in addressing critical global issues Read more

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Candidates in this article:

Seven Ghost Commissioners At Ennia Collected Well Over 5.5 Million Dollars

The condo of former Central Bank President Emsley Tromp and his son Evan is situated in one of the two towers on Brickell Key Drive, Miami.

PHILIPSBURG--Evan Tromp (40) the son of former President of the Central Bank of Curaao and St. Maarten (CBCS) Emsley Tromp (63), received a total of NAf. 2,544,977 (US $1,413,876) from ENNIA Holding and ENNIA Investments. Wrongly, according to the September 12 verdict in ENNIAs appeal against shareholder Parman International, former director Hushang Ansary and other directors and supervisory directors.

Emsley Tromp managed the Central Bank from 1991 to 2017 Read more

Ser Will Be Hosting A Symposium Themed Protect And Preserve Our Paradise, Sint MaartenS Ecological Treasures Unveiled.

HARBOR VIEW:--- The Social Economic Council (SER) will be hosting a symposium on Thursday afternoon, October 12th, 2023 at the Belair Community Center. The theme of the symposium is Protect and Preserve Our Paradise, Sint Maartens Ecological Treasures Unveiled. With this symposium, the SER has chosen to focus on the social and environmental impact and well-being of the community. The event will commence at 1 pm and conclude at 5.15 pm.

The SER is honored to present keynote speaker Professor Ellen van Bueren, a full-time professor from the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment of Delft University of Technology who is part of the Islanders at the Helm programme, international speaker Mr Read more

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Candidates in this article:

In Line With The Rise In Interest Rates In The International Financial Markets: Cbcs Increases The Pledging Rate

Willemstad/Philipsburg:--- The Centrale Bank van Curaao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) decided to tighten its monetary policy stance further by raising the pledging rate1 by 25 basis points to 5.75%. This decision was taken in response to the increase of the Fed funds rate in July and a possible further increase in September. Even though gross official reserves and import coverage have increased in the first eight months of this year, they are still expected to decline towards the end of 2023. The decline will be, however, less pronounced than in 2022 Read more

Court Of Appeal Rules In Favor Of Mer. Telem Ordered To Respect Arbitral Award.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Below is the free translation of the verdict pronounced in by the Court of Appeals.

CIVIL MATTERS FOR 2023 RULING: September 13, 2023

CASE NO.: SXM202200845 - SXM2022H00180

JOINT COURT OF JUSTICE

from Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten and from Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba

ORDER

regarding:

the public limited company

SINT MAARTEN TELEPHONE COMPANY N.V.,

located in Sint Maarten,

defendant at first instance, now appellant, hereinafter referred to as: Telem,

representatives: mrs Read more

Wib Announces Launch Of Bankomatiko+ Mastercard Debit Card.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Windward Islands Bank and Mastercard proudly launched Bankomatiko+ (Bankomatiko plus) Mastercard debit card, which will replace the current Bankomatiko/Maestro card. The launch took place at Emilios restaurant in the landmark Flamboyant rich Emilio Wilson estate. Several prominent members of the community as well as bank managers were invited to this event.
The new Bankomatiko+ Mastercard debit card brings more of the best to the cardholder with a number of additional benefits such as: Wider acceptance anywhere in the world; the possibility to also make online purchases with One Time Passcode (OTP) technology & continued earning of Fun Miles on all local purchases Read more

Allegations Of Mismanagement At Nipa, Students Are Forced To Leave Due To The Lack Of Teaching Staff, 2023 Graduates Still To Receive Their Diplomas.

~ WITU refused to represent its teachers at NIPA. ~

PHILIPSBURG: --- Several students at the National Institute of Professional Advancement (NIPA) have been left in limbo since the management of NIPA has refused to hire core teachers who would teach them level 3 in their career path. Many of the students found out this school year that they do not have the teachers to teach night classes or even some day classes.
The students who contacted SMN News said that while they were taught general subjects such as mathematics and English during the day classes, they do not have teachers to teach level 3 in the evenings Read more

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Candidates in this article:

Around Us $50,000 In Expenses For Every Ennia Holding Supervisory Board Meeting

Ennia claims a total of NAf. 18,624,924 has been awarded to supervisory directors in compensation and bonuses, as shown in this table from the judgment of September 12, 2023.

PHILIPSBURG--The Supervisory Board of Ennia Holding, which met three to four times a year, declared NAf Read more

CAY HILL:---  For the second consecutive year, St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC), The Positive and Elektralytes Foundations, and St. Maarten Laboratory Services (SLS) have partnered to offer free prostate screenings during SMMCs Mens Health Awareness event taking place on Saturday, September 23rd, 2023. The event, geared towards raising awareness and the early detection of prostate cancer, offers insured and uninsured men above the age of forty (40) the opportunity to receive free prostate cancer screening as well as other health information and exams Read more